Dulcimer

High school (ages 12+)
Art & Creativity

Name:

Date:

Step 1 · Read the article

Open the article and read it at the level above. Then answer the questions below in your own words.

https://smallwhale.org/articles/dulcimer

Write what each word means, using the article.

Do not copy the article. Write two things you learned, the way you would explain them to a friend.

Answers below are taken from the article’s stored facts, so they match what the student read.

1. What is the instrument families?Hammered dulcimer and Appalachian dulcimer
2. What is the hammered dulcimer mechanism?Strings are struck with small hammers
3. How does a hammered dulcimer make its sound?The hammered dulcimer has many strings that are struck with small hammers made of wood or plastic. The hammers hit the strings quickly, creating bright, resonant notes that fade fast.
4. How is an Appalachian dulcimer played?An Appalachian dulcimer is fretted and usually played by strumming or plucking with a pick or fingers. It has melody strings for the tune and drone strings that hum in the background.

Polyphony: The combination of two or more independent melodic lines played simultaneously.
Timbre: The character or quality of a musical sound or voice, distinct from its pitch and intensity.
Luthier: A craftsman who makes or repairs stringed instruments such as guitars, violins, and cellos.